Mariners sign closer Rodney

(Reuters) - The Seattle Mariners have signed free agent closer Fernando Rodney to a two-year contract, the American League team announced on Thursday.

The 36-year-old right-hander from the Dominican Republic signed for $14 million, according to media reports.

Rodney went 5-4 with 37 saves and a 3.38 earned run average for the Tampa Bay Rays last season, following a breakthrough season in which he saved 48 games with a miniscule 0.60 ERA.

Rodney's signing came in the wake of news that Seattle outfielder Franklin Gutierrez will miss the entire 2014 season due to ongoing gastrointestinal issues.

Adding the hard-throwing closer was the latest move in a busy offseason for the Mariners, striving to improve on their 71-91 record of last year.

Seattle made a huge splash by signing slugging free agent second baseman Robinson Cano to a 10-year, $240 million deal, also added power-hitting outfielder/first baseman Corey Hart to liven up their offense.

(Reporting By Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina; Editing by Larry Fine)